**Title: The Rich Man and the Poor Man** Once upon a time in a small village ne

**Title: The Rich Man and the Poor Man** Once upon a time in a small village nestled between lush green hills, there lived two men whose lives couldn’t be more different. One was a wealthy merchant named Alaric, known far and wide for his vast fortune. The other was a poor farmer named Jarek, who barely managed to provide for his family, yet was known throughout the village for his kindness. Alaric lived in a grand mansion at the edge of the village. His wealth was a result of shrewd business deals and a single-minded pursuit of profit. He was respected but feared, for he had a heart as cold as the gold coins he treasured. People whispered that Alaric cared more for his money than for any living being. Jarek, on the other hand, lived in a small, humble cottage with his wife and three children. Though his clothes were worn and his table never full, Jarek was rich in a way that Alaric could never understand. He was rich in love, and his heart overflowed with compassion for others. Whenever anyone in the village needed help, Jarek was there, whether it was sharing his meager food or offering a shoulder to cry on. One summer, a terrible drought struck the village. The crops withered in the fields, and water became scarce. The villagers were desperate, but Alaric, who had stored grain and water in abundance, refused to share any of his resources. “I worked hard for my wealth,” he declared. “Why should I give it away?” Meanwhile, Jarek’s small farm was suffering the same fate as everyone else's. He had little to offer, but he shared what he had with his neighbors, even if it meant going hungry himself. Every evening, he would gather the children of the village in his yard, telling them stories to lift their spirits and keep their minds off their growling stomachs. One day, a traveler arrived in the village. He was an old man with a long beard and a walking stick, his clothes dusty from the road. He went from door to door, asking for water and food, but was turned aw